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Day 3: Physical Computing with Scratch for Arduino

Detailed Lesson Plan

Duration: 6-8 hours (Full Day) Target Audience: DBE Teachers (Mixed Experience Levels) Prerequisites: Days 1-2 completion (Scratch programming) CHPC Integration: See CHPC Robotics Module for robotic arm project and advanced examples

Learning Objectives: - Understand Arduino hardware components and basic electronics - Set up Scratch for Arduino (S4A) and upload firmware - Create physical computing projects with sensors and actuators - Build robotics projects with multi-sensor integration - Manage hardware in classroom settings

Morning Session (09:00 - 13:00)

Session 1: Arduino Hardware Introduction (09:00 - 10:15)

  • Review Days 1-2: Scratch programming concepts
  • Introduction: "Today we connect code to the physical world!"
  • Arduino board components tour (digital pins, analog pins, power, USB)
  • Basic electronics concepts (voltage, current, circuits, digital vs. analog)
  • Safety considerations
  • Hands-on: Component identification

10:30 - 11:00 Morning Tea Break

Session 2: Scratch for Arduino (S4A) Setup (11:00 - 12:30)

  • What is S4A? (Scratch for Arduino)
  • Software installation and Arduino driver setup
  • Connecting Arduino to computer
  • Uploading firmware to Arduino
  • Testing connection (blink LED on board)
  • Troubleshooting common setup issues
  • Hands-on: Everyone gets S4A working

Session 3: First Physical Projects (12:30 - 13:00)

  • Project 1: Blinking LED (digital output)
  • Project 2: Button control (digital input)
  • Hands-on: Build and test at least one project

Lunch Break (13:00 - 14:00)

Afternoon Session (14:00 - 17:00)

Session 4: Sensors, Actuators, and Multi-Sensor Projects (14:00 - 15:30)

  • Analog sensors (light, temperature, distance)
  • Actuators (servos, motors, buzzers)
  • Multi-sensor projects (combining inputs for decision-making)
  • Variables and logic in S4A (thresholds, conditions)
  • Hands-on: Build a project with at least one sensor and one actuator

15:30 - 16:00 Afternoon Tea Break

Session 5: Robotics Applications and Project Development (16:00 - 16:45)

  • From coding to robotics: sequences, timing, behaviours
  • Simple robotic behaviours (follow light, react to distance)
  • Design and build a robotics/coding project
  • Share projects and discuss classroom applications
  • Daily reflection and Q&A

Wrap-up (16:45 - 17:00)

  • Preview Day 4: Micro:bit Part 1

Materials

Notes for Facilitators

  • This is the first Arduino day; ensure everyone gets S4A working before moving to projects.
  • Emphasise safety and proper wiring.
  • Build on Scratch concepts from Days 1-2 (variables, conditions, loops).
  • Link projects to DBE curriculum where possible.